Free Finding Their Balance by M.Q. Barber Page B

your speed.”
    Jay chortled. Henry barked a laugh. Emma smiled with a touch of pink in her cheeks.
    Alice pasted on a grin. Henry’s aversion to technology and appreciation for the personal touch wasn’t a secret, but Emma’s familiarity nudged the border of flirtation.
    “No board necessary, Em. A static presentation wouldn’t suit our purpose.” Finishing his circuit, Henry laid his hand on Jay. “I’ve no intention of dictating to our guests. I am not their master. Encouraging and modeling discussion and interaction they take home to their partners or practice as they seek new ones matters far more than a list of rules on any board.”
    With a graceful nod, Emma conceded. “I’ll leave you to it. I’m certain your able helpers will keep your hunger for power in check.”
    Distinguishing friendly teasing from patronizing condescension on Emma’s lips proved impossible. Or she needed to get her ears examined. Insecurity wouldn’t show up in a routine physical, though.
    Jay dug his shoulder into Henry’s hip. “We’ll keep him focused. If he’s lean and hungry all morning, he’ll make a meal of us—I mean, of power—tonight.”
    Laughing, Emma bid them farewell.
    * * * *
    Four arrivals, and every one a man.
    At Henry’s command, Jay hopped to on greeter duty. The room swelled with a mix of masculine swagger and self-conscious laughter. At least the smell didn’t mimic a locker room.
    Standing with Henry behind the teacher’s desk, she stayed in his orbit. They’d run through the class twice Thursday at home, a great non-sex distraction but also preparation for what Henry would expect of his assistants. Making everyone comfortable enough to listen and participate topped the list. Bro-wattage bursting the meter, Jay locked that shit down.
    A fifth prospective student hovered in the hall. Yet another twentysomething male, this one in jeans and a logo t-shirt.
    Stepping out, Jay extended his hand. “Hey, I’m Jay. You here for class? My dom’s coaching. Handing out tips for offense, defense, special teams—any position you’re looking to play, this class is gonna up your game.”
    The student’s response faded beneath the others’ chatter.
    With an equally quiet reply, Jay jerked his thumb over his shoulder.
    Leaning around him, the baby-faced new guy stared through the open door at her and Henry. “Dude, no way.”
    Jay rocked on his heels. “All mine, man. I’m serious—you work on the approach and knowing what you wanna offer, and it’s starting line every night.”
    “Fuck, it’s third-string out here. You hustle hard and you’re lucky you get three minutes of playing time all season.”
    “I remember. Once that desperation gets in your head, the game’s over. The only offers come from teams you gotta say no to, but you won’t, because who the hell else is bidding, right? Warps your skills. You gotta say no. You got to.”
    “This the shit your class is gonna teach?”
    “Hell yeah.”
    Student number five sauntered inside.
    For a man who hated carnivals, Jay made a top-notch barker. He roped in a sixth and a seventh, the noise level rising with each addition.
    Henry stayed out of the fray, assessing his troops from the bunker behind Desk Hill.
    Turning her back to the room, Alice relaxed against the desk. Nice ass-height. Comfy resting spot. “Are they what you expected?”
    “More or less.” He matched her quiet tone. “Perhaps not what you imagined?”
    “I thought there’d be fewer guys.” Or none, or ones less rowdy and more—submissive. “The tea only had Jay.”
    “Early afternoon, midweek, with talk and sharing as the stated objective, favors a different crowd than the weekend lure of actionable information to assist in acquiring a partner.” Hands clasped behind his back, Henry bent to her ear. “More than a few men enjoy being ruled by a powerful woman. The poster image for the scene, as it were—the whip-wielding, leather-clad woman in spiked heels with a